Effects of Electroacupuncture for Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients With Cancer in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is prevalent among patients treated with opioids for cancer pain. Safe and effective therapies for OIC in patients with cancer remain an unmet need.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for OIC in patients with cancer.

Design, setting, and participants

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at 6 tertiary hospitals in China among 100 adult patients with cancer who were screened for OIC and enrolled between May 1, 2019, and December 11, 2021.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to receive 24 sessions of EA or sham electroacupuncture (SA) over 8 weeks and then were followed up for 8 weeks after treatment.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of overa

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9947731 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature